DOST and Lazada Partnership Accelerates Digital Transformation of Filipino MSMEs
Legazpi City, Philippines – August 5, 2026 – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), under the leadership of Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., announced a major milestone in its partnership with Lazada Philippines, empowering Filipino Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to expand their reach through digital commerce.
As of July 2026, 97 DOST-assisted MSMEs have successfully onboarded 849 products to the Lazada platform. This achievement represents 35 percent of the Department’s combined regional target of 2,395 products for 2026, marking significant progress toward DOST’s long-term goal of nurturing 10,000 digitally-transformed enterprises by 2028.
Secretary Solidum emphasized the importance of this initiative in bridging innovation with nationwide markets:
> “Every product we help bring online is more than just a business opportunity—it is a story of resilience, creativity, and the power of science to transform lives. Through this partnership with Lazada, we ensure that Filipino innovations are not confined to local shelves but are accessible to consumers across the country.”
The collaboration between DOST and Lazada, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in September 2025, provides MSMEs with critical support in technology adoption, consultancy services, packaging improvement, and compliance with market standards. This holistic approach ensures that enterprises are not only digitally present but also competitive in quality and innovation.
From food innovations and health products to creative local goods and technology-driven solutions, DOST-assisted MSMEs are now finding new homes in the digital marketplace. This initiative reflects DOST’s commitment to “Agham Na Ramdam”—science felt in everyday life, not just in numbers but in stories of hope and opportunity.
Secretary Solidum added:
“Behind every product listed online is an entrepreneur who believed in the power of science and technology. Our role at DOST is to make sure no promising innovation is left behind as we build an ecosystem where MSMEs can thrive in the digital economy.”
With the continued support of industry leaders like Lazada, DOST reaffirms its mission to empower Filipino entrepreneurs, strengthen local economies, and showcase the ingenuity of Filipino products to a nationwide audience.
